Winter is rolling around the corner once again, and there are many things that we need to do to prepare. Break out the sweaters from storage. Get the heat going in the house. And make sure that our vehicles are equipped to handle the weather.

Just the other day, I took my car for a routine oil change, only to learn that my car battery was about to kick. But I wasn’t thrilled about the unexpected expense, I was glad to learn this while the weather is still pleasant and I could easily take care of it. Better to do it now than to be stranded in below freezing weather!

There are many things that we can do to prepare for the colder weather and make sure that our cars are up to the task. Let’s review a few of them here.

One: Have Your Car Serviced

As mentioned above, I learned about some issues with my car during an oil change. With the cold months approaching, it is a good idea to have your vehicle serviced. If there are issues with your car battery, the cooling system, windshield wipers, tires, and more, you can catch them early on. Prevent an issue during the winter months and getting stuck out in the cold! While you might not want to face the expense, in the long run, it will be better to make sure that your car is up to the winter weather.

Two: Prepare for Emergency Situations

Driving and car emergencies can become more serious in cold weather. Keeping certain items in your vehicle can reduce winter driving issues. Some common items can be helpful to keep in your car. Consider stocking your car with:

• Items to remove snow from your car, like a shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
• Some kind of material to help you gain traction in case you get stuck in snow, such as kitty litter or salt.
• Extra winter clothes and blankets.
• A first aid kit.
• A flashlight.
• Jumper cables.
• Phone charger.

These items can come in handy if your car gets stuck or you get lost.

Three: Refresh Yourself on Driving Safety

Driving in cold, icy, or snowy weather can be a challenge. No matter how long you have been driving, driving with caution is a good idea when the conditions are not good. This can prevent accidents as well as being pulled over by a police officer.

Getting Help

For assistance preparing your car for winter weather, you can contact our office. We can put you in touch with a local mechanic who can check your vehicle and provide more tips. In addition, if you are involved in an accident or you face a motor vehicle violation ticket, contact us. We can get you the resources that you need to deal with situations like these.